SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate understanding of building design and the implications for occupational and environmental noise 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252377  Demonstrate understanding of building design and the implications for occupational and environmental noise 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Environmental Sc/Mgt & Waste Mgt 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful for people working in local authorities and charged with noise control, as appointed Noise Control Officers. They facilitate the generation of policy, develop procedures, apply the by-laws, ensure that issues between complainants and offenders are resolved, and initiate further action where this becomes necessary, including notices and legal proceedings.

More specifically this standard recognizes the knowledge and skill required to interpret plans and influence planning to improve noise management.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of internal acoustics in relation to noise control.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of building design in relation to environmental noise.
  • Provide input to planning and/or problems related to building design and noise. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Competence equivalent to that described in the National Certificate: Environmental Noise, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular Specific Outcomes or Assessment Criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of internal acoustics in relation to noise control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The focus of internal acoustics at local authority level is defined with reference to the regulated aspects of internal acoustics as they affect noise propagation and ambient noise levels. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulated aspects include:
  • Internal noise mitigation measures; recommended residual noise levels; noise generators impacting environmental noise levels.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Building drawings and/or plans are reviewed in terms of the building's purpose, the provision for noise mitigation, and compliance with noise mitigation guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Noise generators in buildings are identified at the planning stage to ensure that they are placed correctly for minimum noise impact, and that noise mitigation measures are appropriate to the noise source and recommended occupational noise levels. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Buildings include:
  • Industrial; office; entertainment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Planned screening is checked for suitability in terms of the noise generators within the building, and recommended residual noise levels. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Screening includes:
  • Absorptive materials; ceilings; surfaces; barriers.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of building design in relation to environmental noise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The potential of different types of buildings to be noise generators is identified and described with reference to their purpose, nature of planned activities, and internal noise generators. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Noise generators include:
  • Industrial machinery (compressors, grinders, saws, compactors); air-conditioners; fans; musical equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Building plans are correctly interpreted in accordance with their purpose and acoustic design faults identified from the drawings. Recommended adjustments are correct, and reduce the noise generating potential of the design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A range of options for screening of internal noise generators is evaluated in terms of potential to limit external noise. Selected options for given situations provide cost-effective solutions in line with best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Methods for identifying noise sources in existing buildings are described with reference to preferred equipment, placement of equipment, and conditions. Criteria for classification of noise as a nuisance or disturbance are explained in accordance with noise control regulations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Provide input to planning and/or problems related to building design and noise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Planned buildings are reviewed in terms of their purpose, potential as noise generators, and their compliance with the noise zone in which they are planned. Building permission is denied where planned activities are not consistent with the demarcated noise zone. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Noise generators include:
  • Recreational (clubs/music); industrial (machinery); location in relation to housing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Vibration as a component of noise in buildings is explained with reference to mechanical energy, the way in which noise is propagated, and the transmission of sound through building structures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Provision for screening of internal noise generators is evaluated in terms of its potential to limit external noise. Recommended improvements provide cost-effective solutions in line with best practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Provision includes:
  • Double-glaze windows; air vent design and placement; air vent gaskets; noise reduction lobbies; acoustic ceilings; positioning of musical instruments and speakers, fans and air-conditioners; pipe lagging.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Noise sources in existing buildings are identified using appropriate machinery in accordance with standard operating procedures. The noise is evaluated in terms of its nuisance and/or disturbance potential, in accordance with noise control regulations and national standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Recommended mitigation measures are appropriate in terms of the noise source and environmental and ambient noise limits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Planning is reviewed in the light of complaints received, and oversights and/or ineffective options are identified and documented to inform future planning decisions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Accreditation Options: Providers of learning towards this unit standard will need to meet the accreditation requirements of the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation Option: The moderation requirements of the relevant ETQA must be met in order to award credit to learners for this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the Specific Outcomes in terms of the stipulated Assessment Criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the Specific Outcomes, to the standards described in the Assessment Criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, Assessment Criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: Critical in identifying and applying materials to solve noise related problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: Work is directed towards the public and the greater good of the community. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: Essential in identifying and applying principles across a range of contests. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: Essential in identifying and applying principles across a range of contests. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: Important in working to influence decision making a council level. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: Critical in identifying and applying materials to solve noise related problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Note: Noise and its impact, and noise management implies an understanding of the "big" picture and the impact of decisions on the broader community. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each Specific Outcome, or groups of Specific Outcomes.
  • Make sure that evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the Assessment Criteria.
  • The Assessment Criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be Assessment Criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Definition of Terms:

    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59325   National Certificate: Environmental Noise Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  LG SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Avenida (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.